Healthcare Leadership
Valparaiso University’s bachelor of science in healthcare leadership will prepare leaders with the skills required to meet the evolving demands of a dynamic healthcare landscape.
About Our Healthcare Leadership Degree
If these skills are calling the leader inside of you:
- The ability to lead, motivate, and inspire others
- A willingness to make decisions and take responsibility for the outcome
- A desire to coach, coordinate, and evaluate
Healthcare leadership is the degree for you!
Healthcare Leadership Major
The curriculum for the major in healthcare leadership is comprised of general education requirements and hands-on training that will provide the solid foundation necessary for academic and employment success. Students who complete the requirements for the healthcare leadership degree will also receive a minor in public health.
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership (BSHL)
Minimum 123 Cr.
Major Requirements
Healthcare Leadership (42 Cr.)
- HCL 105 – Fundamentals of Healthcare Leadership – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 121 – Environment and Health – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 212 – Leadership in Healthcare Organizations – 4 Cr. *
- HCL 255 – Communication Strategies for Public Health – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 301 – Healthcare Strategic Planning – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 302 – Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 303 – Healthcare Management Information Systems – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 305 – Finance and Accounting for Healthcare Leaders – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 306 – Quality Improvement in Healthcare – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 370 – Program Planning & Evaluation – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 417 – Human Resource Management for Healthcare Leaders – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 470 – Healthcare Leadership Strategies – 3 Cr. *
- HCL 480 – Healthcare Leadership Practicum – 5 Cr. *
Interprofessional Education (21 Cr.)
- IPE 103 – Exploring the Health Professions – 3 Cr. *
- IPE 213 – Social Determinants of Health – 3 Cr. *
- IPE 233 – Principles of Health Education & Promotion – 3 Cr. *
- IPE 253 – Intro to Interprofessional Communication for Health Professionals – 3 Cr. *
- IPE 304 – Introduction to Epidemiology – 3 Cr. *
- IPE 315 – Intro to Evidence-Based Practices for Health Professionals – 3 Cr. *
- IPE 318 – Global Health Issues – 3 Cr. *
Public Health (3 Cr.)
- PHS 101 – Introduction to Public Health – 3 Cr.
Exercise Science (4 Cr.)
- XS 101 – Wellness and Stress – 1 Cr.
- XS 250 – Medical Terminology – 3 Cr.
Arts and Sciences (44 Cr.)
- VUE 101 – Valparaiso University Experience: Exploring Values – 4 Cr.
- VUE 102 – Valparaiso University Experience: Finding Your Voice – 4 Cr.
- ENGL 205 – Writing for Health Sciences – 3 Cr.
- REL 100 – Religion and Society – 3 Cr.
- MKT 304 – Marketing Management – 3 Cr.
- BIO 151 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – 4 Cr.
- BIO 152 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II – 4 Cr.
- CHEM 111 – Introduction to Chemistry – 4 Cr.
- PSY 110 – General Psychology – 3 Cr.
- PSY 201 – Statistical Methods – 3 Cr.
- PSY 215 – Life Span Development – 3 Cr.
Additional Core & Elective Requirements
- Second Religious Studies Course – 3 Cr.
- Humanities Elective – 3 Cr.
- Electives – 9 Cr.
Note:
* Grade of C- (1.700) or better required
For a full degree map, visit the catalog.
Healthcare Leadership Minor
The healthcare leadership minor allows students to explore leadership roles in the rapidly expanding fields of healthcare. The minor complements many majors across Valparaiso University. A student interested in this minor should consult with their academic advisor as soon as possible to plan a course of study.
Required Courses (Minimum 15 Cr.)
- IPE 103 – Exploring the Health Professions – 3 Cr.
- HCL 105 – Fundamentals of Healthcare Leadership – 3 Cr.
- Complete nine additional credits from the remaining courses with an HCL or IPE prefix – 9 Cr. *
Note:
* PHS 101, HCL 470, and HCL 480 cannot be included for this minor.
BSHL to MHA (4+1)
Valparaiso University’s master of healthcare administration (MHA) provides students with the skills and experience to become leaders in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates go on to positions such as hospital administrators, health information management directors, nursing home administrators, healthcare managers, and more.
During the junior year, students who have a 3.0 cumulative GPA, who have a 3.0 GPA in the required healthcare leadership courses, who have not earned grades of less than C in science courses and courses required for the healthcare leadership (HL) major, and who have completed the program of study through the junior year, will be invited to enroll in the 4+1 program.
Students who are admitted into the HL/MHA 4+1 during their senior year will be admitted directly into the MHA program upon graduation from their HL program assuming they continue to meet the progression requirements. Applications should be submitted no later than the close of spring semester of the Junior year.
Requirements for progression include maintenance of a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 average in all graduate level classes, and no grades of less than B- in any required graduate courses.
- HADM 501 – Understanding Healthcare Organizations – 3 Cr.
- IPE 315 – Intro to Evidence-Based Practices for Health Professionals – 3 Cr.
- IPE 318 – Global Health Issues – 3 Cr.
- Humanities – 3 Cr.
- Guided Elective 3 – Cr.
Total Credits: 15
- HCL 470 – Healthcare Leadership Strategies – 3 Cr.
- HCL 480 – Healthcare Leadership Practicum – 5 Cr.
- HADM 650 – Managing People and Human Resources – 3 Cr.
- HADM 672 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
Total Credits: 14
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Program Rankings and Highlights
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